Highlights
- Apple plans to skip the iPhone 19 and release the iPhone 20 and iPhone 18e in early 2027 to commemorate 20 years.
- The second half of 2027 will see the release of iPhone 20 Air, Pro, and Pro Max, along with the iPhone Fold 2.
- Apple may discontinue the standard iPhone 18 in 2026, focusing on Pro models and foldables.
Apple is reportedly gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone in a big way. Here’s a quick roundup of what we can expect from the Cupertino giant in the coming years when it comes to iPhone launches.
Apple iPhone 20 Launch Details
According to a new report, the company plans to launch the iPhone 20 in the first half of 2027, alongside a new model called the iPhone 18e. The move will coincide with two decades since the original iPhone was introduced in 2007.
Later in the year, Apple is also expected to release the rest of the iPhone 20 series and the second-generation iPhone Fold.
As per Omdia analyst Heo Moo-yeol, Apple is likely to skip its usual naming pattern to commemorate this milestone year. Instead of following up with the iPhone 19, the company will reportedly jump straight to the iPhone 20 to symbolise 20 years of its iconic smartphone lineup.
The device is said to debut in early 2027, marking exactly two decades since Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone on January 9, 2007.
This strategy mirrors Apple’s move in 2017, when it launched the iPhone X to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.
Interestingly, the iPhone 20 series will reportedly break away from Apple’s traditional September launch window, a timeline the company has consistently followed since the iPhone 5 in 2012. Instead, the iPhone 20 will make its debut in the first half of 2027. Alongside it, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18e, which will not be part of the flagship lineup but will accompany the main launch.
Second Half 2027 Lineup – iPhone 20 Series and Foldable Model
Later in 2027, Apple is expected to introduce the remaining models of the iPhone 20 series including the iPhone 20 Air, iPhone 20 Pro, and iPhone 20 Pro Max. The same report also claims that the company will launch the iPhone Fold 2, a second-generation foldable iPhone that will succeed the original iPhone Fold.
The first-generation iPhone Fold is rumoured to arrive in 2026, marking Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market. However, the 2026 iPhone lineup might be slightly different from what users are accustomed to.
According to the report, Apple plans to discontinue the standard iPhone 18 next year. Instead, the 2026 lineup will likely include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the successor to the iPhone Air, along with the first-generation iPhone Fold.
Market research firm Omdia predicts that this strategic shift will reduce iPhone panel demand by approximately 20 million units. Panel shipments for 2025 are expected to reach around 245 million units, marking an increase compared to last year. Meanwhile, Apple is also expected to ship over 8 million iPhone Fold units in its first year of availability.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Apple skipping the iPhone 19 and launching iPhone 20 in 2027?
Answer. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, Apple plans to jump directly to the iPhone 20 in early 2027, bypassing the iPhone 19. This mirrors its 2017 strategy when it launched the iPhone X for the 10-year milestone.
Q2. What models will Apple release in 2027?
Answer. In early 2027, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 20 and a new iPhone 18e. Later that year, the company will unveil the rest of the iPhone 20 series including the iPhone 20 Air, Pro, and Pro Max, alongside the second-generation iPhone Fold.
Q3. What changes are expected in Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup?
Answer. Apple is reportedly planning to discontinue the standard iPhone 18 in 2026. Instead, the lineup may include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, a successor to the iPhone Air, and the first-generation iPhone Fold, marking Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market.